Written by the team at Dr Rami Haidar on X
Hello everyone, Dr Rami here.
Over the past year, one treatment that patients ask me about more and more in my clinic in Dubai is salmon DNA injections. Sometimes people arrive having seen it on social media, sometimes they’ve read about it online, and occasionally they come in laughing about the name because it sounds unusual at first.
The truth is, the name tends to get more attention than the science behind it.
What we’re actually talking about is a category of regenerative skin treatments called polynucleotides. These treatments are designed to improve the quality and health of the skin rather than simply adding volume or changing facial shape.
Many of my patients today are not necessarily looking for dramatic changes. Instead, they want their skin to look healthier, fresher and more resilient. That’s exactly where treatments like salmon DNA can play a role.
salmon DNA treatment refers to injectable polynucleotides derived from purified fragments of salmon DNA.
These molecules are used in regenerative aesthetic medicine because they help support the skin’s natural repair processes. When injected into the skin, polynucleotides encourage cellular regeneration, collagen production and tissue healing.
Rather than filling or stretching the skin like traditional fillers, the goal of salmon DNA treatment is to improve the health of the skin itself.
In simple terms, it helps the skin repair and rebuild.
Patients often ask why salmon DNA is used in these treatments.
The answer is biocompatibility. Salmon DNA is structurally very similar to human DNA, which makes it highly compatible with the skin and suitable for regenerative treatments.
Once injected into the skin, polynucleotides can help:
These regenerative effects make the treatment particularly appealing for patients who want natural improvements rather than dramatic changes.
“Salmon DNA treatments are not about changing the face. They are about improving the health and resilience of the skin itself.” – Dr Rami Haidar
Dubai is a city with intense sun exposure, air conditioning and a fast-paced lifestyle. These factors can affect the skin in different ways.
Many patients I see are dealing with concerns such as:
Because salmon DNA treatments focus on repairing the skin rather than filling it, they can work very well for these types of concerns.
The treatment is also popular because it usually involves minimal downtime, which fits well with busy professional lifestyles.
Salmon DNA injections can be used on several areas of the face and body depending on the patient’s skin concerns.
The most common areas include:
The under-eye area is one of the most requested treatments in my clinic, as the skin there is thin and often difficult to treat with fillers.
When polynucleotides are injected carefully, the skin can gradually appear smoother and brighter.
Salmon DNA treatments are not designed to produce instant dramatic changes.
Instead, the improvements happen gradually as the skin begins to repair itself and produce new collagen.
Patients often notice brighter skin tone, smoother texture, improved hydration, healthier, stronger skin and a subtle reduction in fine lines.
These improvements tend to develop over several weeks.
Most patients benefit from a course of treatments spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to respond properly.
Not necessarily.
Every patient’s skin is different, and no single treatment works for everyone.
During consultation in my clinic, I assess several factors before recommending polynucleotides:
Sometimes salmon DNA injections are the best choice. In other cases, treatments such as laser, microneedling or collagen stimulators may be more appropriate.
The key is choosing the right treatment for the right patient.
One of the most important things I explain to patients is that regenerative treatments require precision and planning.
This treatment is not simply about injecting product into the skin. It requires careful placement and a personalised treatment strategy.
My goal is always the same: natural, healthy skin that looks refreshed rather than treated.
When salmon DNA injections are used in the right patient, they can be a very effective way to restore skin quality over time.
Salmon DNA injections are regenerative skin treatments made from purified fragments of salmon DNA, known as polynucleotides. They help improve skin quality by supporting skin repair and collagen production.
When performed by an experienced doctor using approved products, polynucleotide treatments are generally considered safe and well tolerated.
Most patients benefit from two to three treatments spaced several weeks apart, although this can vary depending on the individual and the condition of the skin.
Results develop gradually as the skin responds to the treatment. Many patients begin to notice improvements in skin hydration and texture within several weeks.
Downtime is usually minimal. Small bumps or mild swelling may appear temporarily after injections but typically settle within a short period of time.
No. Dermal fillers are used to add volume and contour to the face, while salmon DNA injections focus on repairing and regenerating the skin itself.
Yes. Polynucleotide treatments are commonly used to improve the quality of delicate under-eye skin and help soften fine lines.
Results can last several months, although maintenance treatments are often recommended depending on the patient’s skin condition and goals.
Patients who want to improve overall skin quality, hydration and texture without adding volume are often good candidates for this treatment.
Yes. A consultation allows the doctor to assess your skin properly and determine whether salmon DNA injections are the most appropriate treatment for your concerns.
